Director of Investment & Sustainability in Watford

Watford Community Housing is a community-focused housing association with a strong social purpose. We own and manage around 7,700 homes and associated assets across South-West Hertfordshire and North-West London, with a clear commitment to investing in high-quality, safe and sustainable homes for our customers. As a Community Gateway housing association, we place residents at the heart of decision-making, ensuring our services reflect the needs and ambitions of the communities we serve.

As we continue to invest in our homes, strengthen our asset strategy and build on our C1 rating under the recently introduced consumer standards, we are seeking to appoint a Director of Investment & Sustainability. This is a key senior leadership role that will shape our long-term investment priorities, drive our decarbonisation agenda and ensure our homes remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.

It is an exciting time to be joining us. We are currently in discussions with Thrive Homes regarding a proposed merger that would create a new Community Gateway housing association with more than 13,000 homes. Subject to approval, the successful candidate will become Director of Investment & Sustainability Designate for the new organisation, playing a central role in aligning teams, cultures and approaches to investment and sustainability across the merged entity.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Asset & Compliance, the Director of Investment & Sustainability will lead the delivery of investment planning, capital programmes and sustainability initiatives across the organisation. Working closely with colleagues across asset management, finance, development and operations, the postholder will ensure that investment decisions are robust, data-led and aligned to both customer priorities and long-term business objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic vision and delivery of investment planning, capital delivery and sustainability programmes.
• Driving forward the organisation’s decarbonisation agenda, securing inward funding and improving the energy efficiency and thermal performance of homes.
• Playing a key role in aligning cultures, ways of working and service approaches across teams, particularly in the context of a potential merger.
• Ensuring close collaboration across directorates so that investment activity is fully integrated with asset, repairs, development and business planning priorities.
• Ensuring investment programmes are underpinned by accurate data, robust risk management and effective performance reporting.
• Delivering investment and sustainability services that meet consumer standards, regulatory requirements and legislative expectations.
• Providing clear, data-driven performance leadership, ensuring KPIs, budgets and delivery milestones are met.
• Leading on assurance reporting to the Executive Team, Board and Committees.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, funders, contractors and delivery partners.
• Building, motivating and empowering high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and values-led culture.
• Representing Watford Community Housing professionally and positively, championing sustainability and long-term value across the organisation.

We are looking for a senior leader who brings:

• Significant experience in investment planning, asset management, sustainability or capital programme delivery within a complex organisation.
• A strong understanding of regulatory, legislative and consumer standards relating to housing investment and asset management.
• A proven ability to lead teams through change, with experience of cultural alignment, service integration or organisational transformation.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to balance cost, quality, risk and long-term value.
• Experience of working confidently with Executive Teams, Boards and Committees.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style, with the ability to build trust and work effectively across organisational boundaries.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A clear commitment to sustainability, customer outcomes and the social purpose of Watford Community Housing.
• A relevant professional qualification is desirable but not essential.

If you are a forward-thinking, collaborative leader who can help align people, culture and investment priorities while delivering greener, safer homes for our communities, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact our consultants at Neemar Search for a confidential discussion.